Temporary Increase in Borrowing Authority for National Flood Insurance Program

Floor Speech

(Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, the delay in helping the victims of Hurricane Sandy is obviously inexcusable and unjust, but it's equally obvious that the time has come to do what we can to help solve the problem. That's why I'm for the passage of this bill today. It will, in fact, help flood insurance claims be honored and paid so that people can go about the work of rebuilding their homes.

We've heard about the January 15 vote that is coming on the rest of the plan. I think we shouldn't be holding out false hope about that because here's the reality: I'm certain we will vote on January 15. Of course, the Constitution says the other body has to vote too. They have to start all over again, and then the President has to sign the bill.

It is my strong hope that the leadership between now and January 15 will reach out to the leadership of the other body and try to prenegotiate a bill that the Senate would quickly and expeditiously take up so we can solve this problem.

The House taking a vote on January 15 is lovely. It is also utterly meaningless if the other body does not act.